Below is a message I sent out to Mental Health Association staff, board members, and friends about the passing of Mr. Jack Zarrow. I hope you take time to read it and reflect on a life that touched so very many people in a very special way. The likes of him won't pass this way again soon.

Dear staff, board members, advisory council, and other friends,

I think most of you know by now we lost a special friend in Jack Zarrow early this morning. Most of you know what great friends the Zarrow family has been to us over these many years, helping us help so many others. While some of you, like me, had the wonderful pleasure of getting to Mr. Zarrow, some of you did not get that opportunity as he has been in failing health over the past several years. I can honestly say one of the great pleasures of my position with the Mental Health Association has been having the opportunity to meet and get to know Mr. and Mrs. Zarrow. They have been so kind toward me personally and to our organization, and its mission. Their commitment to helping people affected by mental illness, and so many other causes in our community has been truly inspiring to me and to my family. I am not the same person for having known Mr. Zarrow and his incredible family.

As many of you, I have such incredible memories of talking with he and Mrs. Zarrow, getting to hear of their concern for people affected by mental illness who they understood didn't have the resources they had available to them. This awareness drove both of the them to help others to have the same opportunities through their generosity and kindness. Mr. Zarrow had a kindness and sweetness that was disarming and made you feel welcome and accepted in every sense of the word. His sweet smile could melt the toughest of hearts. Yet, when in contact with injustice he could become riled and determined to turn wrongs into right.

His passing reminds all of us it is our responsibility to carry on his legacy of giving, carrying for others less fortunate, and making our Tulsa community and state a better, more inclusive place for everyone, regardless of status or place in life. He will be missed by all.

Respectfully,

Mike Brose

The Immigration Debate - 2012

With the start of the Oklahoma legislative session about to begin, we can expect, once again, to hear debate around immigration issues. As always, the debate tends to organize itself around passionate extremes that don't always cut down party lines. Sadly, the debate continues to have ethnic/racial overtones, bridging over to economic (jobs) issues, and even reaching into states rights versus federal level only responsibility. Coming out of Utah, as far as I can determine, and modified to Oklahoma, and now called the Oklahoma Compact, is a declaration of five principles to guide our statewide debate around immigration. The following are components to the compact:

Federal Solutions

Immigration is a federal policy issue. We urge Oklahoma's congressional delegation, and others, to lead efforts to strengthen and reform federal laws. We recognize that border security is a critical element of national security, and further urge our congressional representatives to work to protect the borders as a part of a federal comprehensive immigration policy.

Economy

Oklahoma is best served by an economic philosophy that maximizes individual freedom and opportunity and does not place undue burdens on employers and employees. We acknowledge the economic role immigrants play as entrepreneurs, workers, taxpayers. From settlers to immigrants, newcomers have historically provided the much needed labor and ingenuity that fuels economic growth. Oklahoma's policies must advance our global reputation as a welcoming and business friendly state.

Law Enforcement

We respect the Constitution and the rule of law. We support law enforcement's professional judgment and discretion. Local law enforcement resources should focus on criminal activities, not civil violations of federal code.

Families

Strong families are the foundation of successful communities. We oppose policies that unnecessarily separate families. We champion policies that support families and improve the health, education, and well-being of all Oklahoma children, including the continuation of access to post-secondary education for all academically qualified high school students.

Free Society

Immigrants are integrated into communities across Oklahoma. We must adopt a humane approach to this reality, reflecting our unique culture, history and spirit of inclusion. The way we treat immigrants should demonstrate our commitment to a free society. Immigrants have been an important part of our strength and prosperity throughout history. Oklahoma should always be a place that welcomes people of goodwill.

What does everyone think? Is the Compact a good place to frame the debate, and can it form a common ground for people to come together for civil discourse on this hot button issue?

Bringing in the students and their experience

I've now introduced the idea of using the blog with our students and their supervisors at the Mental Health Association. The purpose is allowing an open social media setting where students, their supervisors, and others can discuss their learning experiences, thoughts, ideas, positive and otherwise, with each other, and others who might like to participate, also. While no topic is off limits, appropriate confidentiality, taste, decorum, and length of entry, must be maintained at all times. I look forward to this process and hope it can be of benefit to not only our students, but others who might like to participate.

I'm Back!

Either I've been lost in the mountains, on the high seas, or just lazy in use of my blog, but ultimately, it does not matter. Why? Because I'm back! Watch for new entries on a variety of topics and watch for interaction between me, my social work students, and others who may join in the discussions. Let's grow the blog and hopefully allow it to become what I have longed hoped, a place to carry on important discussions regarding the world of social work and our shared desire to provide people affective, cost efficient services that meet their needs. Also, let's have the blog be a place to address the need to create systemic change in many of the areas of service delivery we take for granted and don't question like we should.

If you get a chance, come to the Systems of Care Community Team Bridge Building Workgroup, tomorrow, January 24, at noon, at the Community Service Council where the topic will be the use of medications with children and teens in the custody of the State of Oklahoma DHS system (child welfare). We know this is a nationwide problem and we are trying to address it on a community state level. We need others to participate in the discussion. Anyone is welcome to attend.